A routine test flight turned into an unexpected sky message when a pilot traced the words “I’m bored” across the map while flying over parts of the United Kingdom, leaving aviation enthusiasts amused.
The light aircraft took off from Liverpool at 11:30 BST on Saturday and flew over the Wirral peninsula, Cheshire and North Wales before returning to Merseyside about two hours later, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.
The unusual flight path was spotted by plane enthusiasts using the tracking app, where the aircraft’s route appeared to spell out the phrase “bored” across the map.
Ravenair later confirmed that the aircraft was being flown by a flight instructor in his 20s during a test flight after a replacement part had been installed on the plane.
Ravenair operations manager Wayne Barrett said the pilot was likely trying to add some fun to what was otherwise a routine test flight.
“I think the pilot was literally a bit bored as it was just a test flight. Mind you, it was pretty skillful flying,” Barrett said.
He explained that the aircraft had undergone maintenance, including the replacement of a cylinder, and the test flight was conducted to ensure everything was working properly.
Barrett said the pilot had not breached any rules and would not face disciplinary action over the unusual flight path.
“He’s not in trouble, but we have had a lot of attention from it,” he said.
The aircraft has since returned safely to the hangar, while the pilot is enjoying a day off after the unusual flight that turned a simple test run into a viral aviation moment.
